Battle of Keren
Keren, Anseba Region, Eritrea
What happened
British, Indian, Sudanese and Free French forces under Lieutenant General William Platt fought Italian and Eritrean colonial troops under Brigadier General Nicolangelo Carnimeo. In the Second World War, Italy ruled Eritrea as part of Italian East Africa. The town of Keren sat behind steep granite mountains, and the only road and railway ran through the narrow Dongolaas Gorge. After weeks of hard fighting on the ridges, a surprise attack opened the gorge in late March, and the Italian defence collapsed.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It opened the way to Asmara and the Red Sea port of Massawa and ended organised Italian resistance in Eritrea. It was a major step in the East African Campaign.
What came next
Massawa surrendered on 8 April 1941. After the battle, war cemeteries were set up at Keren for the soldiers of both sides.
Did you know?
Keren has both British and Italian war cemeteries, including one for the Eritrean and Italian soldiers killed there.
Timeline
- 3 February 1941The battle for Keren begins.
- 25 March 1941A surprise attack opens the Dongolaas Gorge.
- 27 March 1941The Italian defence of Keren collapses.
- 8 April 1941Massawa surrenders.